Health care
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Health Care Edition
2025
Welcome to Community Impact ’s annual Health Care Edition! This guide explores pivotal developments shaping the medical landscape of Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs. Check out the latest updates from three major hospitals on page 17. Our cover story explores and examines the role telehealth still maintains, even ve years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, learn more about the latest technology innovations in healthcare, when to seek emergency care and how the 2025 legislative session impacted Texas health care.
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Medical experts clarify care options
Who’s providing the care?
No matter the facility, patients might be seen by either a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner—so what’s the di erence? • MD (medical doctor): physicians who complete medical school and residency, can perform surgery, and prescribe medication • NP (nurse practitioner): registered nurses with advanced degrees who can diagnose, treat and prescribe More NP programs are becoming doctoral- level, meaning they involve more advanced education, said Amy Papermaster, a nurse practitioner at Women’s Health. In Texas, NPs must also collaborate with a physician. Papermaster said patients won’t notice much di erence between seeing a nurse practitioner and a physician. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and manage a wide range of conditions.
A sore throat on a Saturday night may leave one wondering, “Should I wait for my doctor, visit urgent care or head to the emergency room?” Amid seasonal illnesses, local experts share tips for choosing the right level of care. “Knowing where to turn during a medical emergency is extremely important for the community, because it [leads] to the best possible outcome and also ensures that they receive the best value for the care provided,” said Laura Hochwalt, vice president of emergency services at St. David’s HealthCare. Hochwalt said doctors are present not only at primary care o ces but also at urgent care centers and in emergency room departments.
Knowing where to go
Patients should see a primary care provider for nonurgent health concerns and routine medical care. Primary care o ce Urgent care is for after-hours care meant for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Urgent care center Emergency rooms are for life-threatening situations, such as traumatic injuries, fractures, burns and stroke-like symptoms. Emergency room
SOURCES: ST. DAVID’S HEALTHCARE, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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